Strategies and analysis of post-transplant immune response control in the doctor-led clinical trial (Kyoto trial) using non-autologous iPS cells for Parkinson's disease therapy.

doctor Asuka Morimi, Director Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Center at our hospital, collaborated with Kyoto University Hospital to conduct research focusing on immune responses in an investigator-initiated doctor trial of cell transplantation for Parkinson's disease using non-autologous iPS cells (Sawamoto N et al., Nature 2025, CiRA News April 17, 2025). In this cell transplantation treatment for Parkinson's disease, immunosuppression using tacrolimus (Note 1) alone was successfully performed. This is a milder protocol than the immunosuppressive regimens used in conventional fetal midbrain cell transplants and other organ transplants. Balancing the benefits and side effects of immunosuppression is important in transplantation treatments, and the results of this study are considered a step toward realizing safer transplantation treatments.

Reference: Control strategy and analysis of post-transplant immune response in doctor-led trial (Kyoto trial) of non-self iPS cell therapy for Parkinson's disease | News | News & Events | CiRA | Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University
Regenerative Medicine | Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital
Center for Cell Therapy | Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital

Note 1) Tacrolimus
A type of immunosuppressant used to prevent rejection after organ transplantation.

Note 2) Immunosuppression
Intentionally suppressing the activity of immune cells with drugs, etc. This is done to prevent rejection of transplanted cells or tissues.